Philanthropy experts are advising people who are looking to donate to Maui’s wildfire victims to wait before doing so. According to Regine Webster, Vice President of the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, the full extent of the need may not be apparent until a week after firefighters have completed their response.
Webster also advised potential donors to support organizations that have strong local ties and detailed knowledge of the community. This ensures that both immediate and long-term needs of the victims and the community can be addressed effectively.
Furthermore, people who wish to donate can do so through crowdfunding platform GoFundMe. The site conducts rigorous vetting for fundraisers created for those who have lost property or have been injured due to the wildfires. Before releasing the funds, GoFundMe carries out additional verification. However, donors should be aware that a transaction fee is deducted from the donated amount.
This advice emphasizes the importance of careful and informed giving in disaster recovery. By choosing the right organizations and understanding the specific needs of the affected community, donors can ensure that their contributions have the greatest possible impact.